Process for the preparation of aryl alkyl ketones

Abstract

Preparation of aryl alkyl ketones by reaction of an aryl compound with an aliphatic acid and/or a functional derivative thereof in anhydrous hydrofluoric acid.

We claim: 
     
       1. A process for preparing an aryl alkyl ketone of the formula   Ar'--CO--CHX--R                                            (II)     wherein   Ar' is 6'-methoxy-2'-naphthyl,   X is hydrogen (--H) or halogen, and   R is hydrogen (--H) or methyl, which comprises reacting 2-methoxynaphthalene in anhydrous hydrofluoric acid with at least one compound of the formula     Y--CO--CHX--R                                              (I)     wherein     Y is --OH, halogen or --O--CO--CHX--R, and   R and X have their previously-ascribed meanings.   
     
     
       2. A process according to claim 1 which comprises reacting 2-methoxynaphthalene with a mixture of compounds of formula I. 
     
     
       3. A process according to claim 1 wherein Y is --OH. 
     
     
       4. A process according to claim 1 wherein Y is halogen. 
     
     
       5. A process according to claim 1 wherein Y is --O--CO--CHX--R. 
     
     
       6. A process according to claim 1 wherein R is --H. 
     
     
       7. A process according to claim 1 wherein R is methyl.